FCC Proposes Retroactive Ban on Drones It Previously Approved for Sale

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed expanding a ban on foreign-made drones to include products it had previously approved and that are currently on store shelves. The July 17 notice targets nine manufacturers suspected of being front companies for Chinese drone giant DJI, which controls over 90% of the consumer drone market. The ban would also cover drone components like cameras. The FCC granted itself authority for such retroactive action in October 2025. While the government cites national security risks, critics note no specific public evidence has been provided. DJI claims an independent security audit found no evidence of data transmission outside the United States. If enacted, the ban would force retailers to remove covered products from shelves and could require companies to write off inventory in U.S. warehouses.